SATURDAY’S Chronicle printed a story of a man called David Gosling. Despite earnings of £350,000 tax free working abroad, this man claimed in excess of £100,000 disability benefit over the same 10-year period.

Doesn’t this perfectly justify the crackdown on benefit cheats? Genuine claimants have no cause for concern. I am sure they have the support of all of us.

REGARDING Monday’s letter about cyclists, I also wish cyclists would keep their bikes under control when I am walking my dog. We’re not bike lovers and a cyclist flying past could be dangerous for me, my dog and my children.

IN your article “Councillor’s yellow card” (Chronicle, Sept 11), all of my quotes were not used.

The thrust of my article to the Newcastle fans’ website was the importance of there being a good relationship between the city council and the football club, of which I am a passionate follower.

I did make some light-hearted comments about the level of passion for football within the hierarchy of the council which were perhaps a little unwise, and I have now retracted these.

However, the thrust of my argument – that we must recognise the value of the club to the city and its people – remains valid and I have suggested that a way of cementing this relationship following the unfortunate fallout over the name of the ground would be a recognition belatedly of Alan Pardew and the team’s outstanding achievements last season.

I AM writing to thank you and your readers for the support you’ve shown so far for British Heart Foundation shops’ Great British Bag-athon.

The campaign, happening throughout September, is huge and we’re very grateful to the local community for getting on board and joining in this year by bringing bags full of lovely things.

I love taking on a challenge and the Great British Bag-athon is something that everyone can get involved with. Filling one bag is great but why not have a really big clear out?

Or join forces with friends and family to take on a challenge and pledge to fill five, 10, 15 or even more bags.

It all makes such a difference for BHF shops –every donation helps the nation’s heart charity to continue its life saving work.

There’s still time for everyone to get involved. Simply pledge how many bags of your things you’d like to donate and then start clearing out.

And it doesn’t have to be clothes – good-quality CDs, DVDs, books, toys, china and ornaments are all welcome. For those taking on a big challenge you can also book a free collection from your door by calling 0844 412 5000.

I really hope everyone makes their mark by taking on our challenge this September.

For more information on the Great British Bag-athon visit bhf.org.uk/bagathon or pop into your local shop.

SO, John Major reckons that the “green shoot of recovery” are on the way. How many politicians have been telling us that and for how long?

The truth of the matter is that our leaders have lost sight of the real world.

While they sit in their ivory towers far removed from unemployment and the hardships associated with being on the breadline, they can’t even begin to imagine what it is like to loose one’s job, one’s home and one’s self respect.

All our political elite can do is demonise those claiming disability and unemployment benefits, making them the reason for the mess this country is in and setting those with jobs against those without.

If politicians would lift their heads out of the sand they would realise that they are the ones responsible for the state of the country. It is politicians who give billions of British taxes to foreign governments without putting in place any conditions as to where the money is spent. For instance, the last £280m they gave to India was spent on an aircraft carrier for the Indian navy, while our own fleet is being scrapped.

Thousands of health tourists are coming here to use the NHS and, even though they are supposed to pay for treatment, many are giving false IDs and can not be traced to pay their bills.

All of this puts a huge burden on our health service. 50% of British business is now in foreign ownership so, although they still employ some British workers who pay tax here, and they have to pay corporation tax, the profits are ploughed into the country where they hold their head offices.

Every one of our energy companies is now in foreign ownership, the British-owned vehicle manufacturing sector has gone, with the exception of Morgan sports cars.

That would never happen in any other European country. So please, Mr Major, you had better read some more gardening books before you start talking about green shoots of recovery.